Obtaining an instructional or learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in New Mexico. You are eligible to apply for an instructional permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of New Mexico who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN INSTRUCTIONAL PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the New Mexico Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local MVD Field Office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain a parental consent form and have it completed and signed by your parent or guardian.
3. Visit your local MVD Field Office to complete and submit the application.
4. You must bring with you:
5. Proof of identity and New Mexico residency. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
6. Your Social Security card.
7. Proof of enrollment in an approved driver education course.
8. The $18 fee.
9. You will be given a written knowledge test and a vision test at the Field Office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instructional permit which you need to hold for a minimum of 6 months.

When driving with an instructional permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE PROVISIONAL LICENSE

You must complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, 10 of which are at night (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a provisional license. You must be at least 15 ½ years of age, should have held an instructional permit for at least six months and should have had a clean driving record for the previous three months. Provisional drivers are not permitted to drive public highways between the hours of midnight and 5:00 am unless they are supervised by an adult at least 21 years old or driving because of an emergency or for school, work or church-related journey.

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 16½ years old. A provisional driver's license may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held a provisional driver's license for at least one year.
2. You have not been convicted of any traffic violation in the preceding 90 days nor have any violations pending.
3. You have no drug or alcohol violations or an offense pending.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you are a first-time New Mexico licensee age 18 to 24 you are required to take the "None for the Road" self-study DWI awareness class. On completion of the NFTR course, you can take your certificate of completion and other required identification to any Motor Vehicle Division Field Office to apply for your license. Individuals who are age 25 or older are not required to take the NFTR course. This course is administered by UNM Continuing Education, and not by the Motor Vehicle Division, and can be reached at their website or by phone from 8-5 Monday through Friday toll free at (877) 663-7465. You may also obtain a "None for the Road" flyer/application directly from any local Motor Vehicle field office.

On successfully retaining and exercising your permit for 6 months, you can apply for a provisional license.

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of New Mexico, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.